'He felt he'd beaten it': Wife's heartbreaking revelation about death of Danny Frawley

Danny Frawley’s wife has revealed devastating new details about the final few months before the AFL legend’s death.

The much-loved AFL figure, who bravely spoke out in recent years about his mental health issues, died last Monday when the ute he was driving hit a tree near Ballarat.

No one else was in the car at the time.

In a statement released on Monday as the details of Frawley’s funeral were released, wife Anita opened up about her loss.

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She revealed how her husband's mental health had deteriorated in the weeks leading up to his death, and urged others grappling with mental demons not to abandon their support networks.

“Many have speculated on the cause and lead up to this tragedy. Danny, as a champion of mental health would want me to continue his legacy and be open with the public of the events leading up to this heartbreak,” Anita wrote.

“While the circumstances of the event are unconfirmed and will remain uncertain until the investigations are complete, it was true that Danny’s mental health had deteriorated in recent weeks.”

Anita said Danny had “returned to being the Danny of old”, but he thought he’d left his demons behind and began feeling “invincible”.

“The road leading up to last Monday’s events began eight months ago when Danny made the decision to take himself off his prescribed medication. At this point Danny felt invincible, like the true competitor and proud man that he was; he felt that he had beaten the disease,” she wrote.

“In fact, he felt bullet proof, which contributed to his decision to remove himself from his support network including his psychiatric care and not continuing to work with his team of mental health professionals.”

Anita said she was revealing the sensitive information because her husband was a champion of mental health and would have wanted her to continue his legacy and be open with the public.

“The reason I am making this public is that I want this to be a reminder to all those grappling with mental health conditions and to those whom have made progress with their wellbeing that you should always seek help from professionals when considering making decisions surrounding your mental health, even when you feel as though you have fully recovered,” she said.

Anita also included a message to her late husband: “Danny, you were the love of my life and will continue to be until our paths cross again. Since Monday, there has been a gaping hole in our family which will never be repaired. The girls and I are finding it difficult to accept you are gone and our lives as we knew them will never be the same. We miss you. We will always miss you. Anita xx.”

Hawthorn president and Beyond Blue chairman Jeff Kennett praised Anita’s courage.

"A very brave and loving statement. We are all very sad at your and the girls' loss," he wrote on Twitter.

"Your words today will resonate throughout the community, particularly men who are tempted when feeling better to stop taking their prescribed medication. All strength to you."

St Kilda to host Danny Frawley funeral

The scene of many of Frawley's greatest AFL moments will be the setting for his farewell.

St Kilda's Moorabbin headquarters will host Frawley's memorial service this Wednesday.

The service will start at 3pm and the public will be able to watch a live stream of the private funeral at Moorabbin.

There will be a lap of honour at 5pm.

Instead of flowers, Frawley's family has requested donations to Beyond Blue.

with AAP

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.